Lancaster, who was appointed in 2011, was the subject of a five-man review panel appointed by the Rugby Football Union to dissect the host nation’s elimination after the group stages.
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Lancaster says he ultimately accepts and takes responsibility for the team’s performance and they have not delivered the results they all hoped for, during the tournament.
Ritchie said he had met Lancaster for “several hours” on Monday, and spoken to him again on Tuesday, to discuss the RFU’s World Cup review of “almost 100 pieces of information” drawn from 59 people, including any England player who cared to take part and all 12 Premiership coaches. The decision was unanimously approved by the RFU board.
“It is very important we get a person of proven global experience”.
“But I think they will go with one of the Super coaches, a coach that has won big tournaments, whether it be in Super Rugby, European Cups, Tri Nations, Rugby Championships, Grand Slams and even World Cups”.
“You need to get the best possible coach, this is not a matter of financial implications, it’s a matter of getting the best possible coach for English rugby and we will do that without any inhibitions”.
Ritchie denied any approach from the RFU to Australia boss Michael Cheika at this point, but the Wallabies coach will surely sit high up England’s wish list for a new figurehead. Cheika will arrive in London shortly to coach the Barbarians against Argentina on November 22 at Twickenham.
“It’s been a tough World Cup for everyone and he’s taken the brunt of it”, said the Saints star, who made three appearances for England in the World Cup.
Stuart Lancaster constantly insisted he was in charge of team selection at all times but ex-players felt he was being influenced heavily by asistant Andy Farrell, father of Owen Farrell.
“Let’s wait and see – I’ve been in this position before and I’ve said openly I don’t want to be in the middle of shortlists. if they genuinely think I’m the right guy and it’s the way for ward for English rugby, then I would put my hand up”.
He said: “I don’t find the Sam Burgess situation embarrassing”.
So much was made of the rugby league legend’s switch to union and how he was going to make England a powerhouse in the world game.
Wales pulled off a comeback victory, helped by England captain Chris Robshaw opting for a last-gasp attacking lineout instead of a penalty kick for a draw.
They were eliminated from contention by Australia in the next pool match.
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Stuart Lancaster carried the can for England’s woeful World Cup campaign when he stepped down as head coach on Wednesday. England would also finish second in 2013, 2014 and this year. Now the waiting game begins… the RFU’s next move must be a swift one for the RBS 6 Nations is just around the corner however it must also be the right one.
